Are you shocked? I'm shocked. Me siding with the winking, nodding Sarah Palin? But I'm sorry, I chose this as my Friday column topic because I feel she was wronged by Newsweek. Not cool, Newsweek. If you read this in the paper, skip right to comments. I want to know what you think. (Bonus: Funny photo after the jump.)
I am reluctant to side with Sarah Palin.
Despite her obvious "by golly" charm and snappy, rehearsed one-liners, I'm no fan of the politico-turned-author.
When it comes to numerous public policy issues, Alaska's finest and I do not see eye-to-eye.
That is, except on one thing: Her now infamous Newsweek cover.
Next to a headline that blares "How Do You Solve a Problem Like Sarah?" Palin stands, hands coquettishly on her hips, legs gleaming like a Hooters' waitress.
The running shorts she's rocking appear to be of the Daisy Duke variety, though my runner friends swear they're standard size.
I can only imagine how far Palin's (and her publicity team's) jaws dropped when they caught sight of this cover.
It's like an unflattering Facebook photo tag amplified exponentially.
I won't go as far as Palin did in decrying the photo usage as "sexist," but she's accurate in calling it "out of context."
The running shorts she's rocking appear to be of the Daisy Duke variety, though my runner friends swear they're standard size.
I can only imagine how far Palin's (and her publicity team's) jaws dropped when they caught sight of this cover.
It's like an unflattering Facebook photo tag amplified exponentially.
I won't go as far as Palin did in decrying the photo usage as "sexist," but she's accurate in calling it "out of context."
10 Comments
Papa MaC said:
It's just the start of the Palin-smearing campaign. There has been a lot of talk lately about Palin's 'come-back' after some time spent brushing up on her national media skills. She actually has a very good understanding of government, though she never had proper political experience with the national media. The time will be coming soon where it will be make-or-break for Palin. She still has a lot of support on both the left and the right, but if she can't hold her own against the media this time around she is finished in politics. There will likely be more to come, possibly even worse.
Imagine if your job was an elected position, in your office the people know you and trust you; if you were to go for a promotion, you would have to convince a few million people that you are qualified. The only way to do that is through the media, and the U.S. media is brutal and sheisty no matter if they are left or right. It comes as no surprise to me that Newsweek pulled this stunt, they have already made themselves clear about how they feel about her;
http://newsrealblog.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/sarah-palin-newsweek-cover.jpg
http://blog.reidreport.com/uploaded_images/newsweek-palin-cover-766613.jpg
Papa MaC said:
P.S. I am not defending Palin; Politicians in the USA are judged for reasons unrelated to their ability or agenda fairly often. Most of the negative public opinion on Palin is that she is a bad speaker, which is nothing new in politics and says little or nothing about her ability. A more reasonable criticism would be something directly related to Palins actual agenda or ability; that goes for any political figure, for that matter. As KRS-One said, "What is most important is that we don't get caught up in Emotional Politics."
Kyra Kyles said:
Hey PapaMaC:
You are right in pointing out that extraneous factors, from "like" factor to speech-making, are often unfairly involved in elections. However, even her policies -- as well as her abrupt resignation from her Alaska post--call her into question. We all have our own opinions on issues of public policy,so clearly that will impact how much people like her as a potential candidate or in any other public position. But she seems to realize she needs to control her own image better. I'd say that, in this case, it really wasn't her fault. Thanks for commenting!
Papa MaC said:
She resigned for good reason, in my opinion. Her approval ratings started dropping fairly heavily near the end of the Presidential campaign due to Alaskans feeling that she was negating her duties as Governor and carrying herself poorly, politically. I think resigning was the best option she had to divert negative media attention from her office and the State of Alaska before the situation got worse.
Josh said:
Oh, Sarah Palin. I have been wishing for her to fade back into obscurity since the election, unfortunately the media didn't let that happen. They insisted on keeping her in the spot light. Why? Because she was the losing VP candidate? How much attention did they give Joe Lieberman, John Edwards, Jack Kemp or Lloyd Bensten? Who even knows who those last two are now? I had to look them up to find their names. Because she was a female VP candidate? How did that go for Geraldine Ferraro? Until she put her foot in her mouth last year had anyone even heard from her since 1984?
It's because she's controversial, and there was drama. The media loves them some controversy and drama!
Papa MaC I have a hard time believing Palin "has a lot of support on ... the left". I don't see it anywhere. Most liberals I know are scared to death of her. But I agree in general terms about the media. (Though there are exceptions, like Kyra!)
But to actually address the cover, I have to agree with KK. And not just because I don't want to see Palin on the cover of anything. It is "out of context" and a pretty low-class stunt on Newsweek's behalf.
Kyra Kyles said:
Hi Josh:
Thanks for commenting and adding more perspective to the discussion. We certainly agree Newsweek was out of line on this one.
silkysoul said:
I believe Palin won't fade into obscurity because she is ...*-gulp-* (I can't believe I'm saying this publically)...an attactive woman. The media loves "pretty people", and even more when that person is "controversial". It sells print.
I mean, I wonder what percentage of Newsweek mags will be sold because of this cover photo that wouldn't have been sold if she was in a pantsuit?
Yes, it's borderline "sexist". Def' inappropriate for the content of the story, but the print industry is suffering and needs something to sell at the newsstand.
Kyra Kyles said:
I think Palin won't fade because she isn't allowing herself to fade. If she wanted to avoid the media (cough, John Edwards, cough, she could. She chooses to engage the public, and yes, it's no secret that telegenic people attract cameras. If she were to hide under a rock, she might be able to escape. But I'm sure the money she is making off this book and her engagements will make her feel better despite this low-brow move by Newsweek.
craig21 said:
I like Palin, if she wasnt a republican most media would be in love with her. Lets face it, if you are a republican the media hates you no matter how smart, how much for the people you are. They need to lay off her. enough already.
Kyra Kyles said:
Craig21, I don't necessarily agree with you because clearly the Republican or conservatives have powerful media voices as well via WSJ, Fox News Channel, etc. and many of the so-called "liberal" media outlets employ quite outspoken conservative pundits. And to be honest, members of both side of the aisle have been mocked by the media. For example, Mr. John "hunting get-up" Kerry, John "The Hair" Edwards and our Veep and his run-away controversial comments. I'm not a big believer in the media conspiracy theory that there are so many liberals shaping thoughts. Some of these public figures, including Sarah Palin, make it too easy.
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